CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: September 2, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Police Chief Sean McDonagh
Interim City Manager Mary Gourley
City Council Liaison to Non Profts Mayor Zollman
City Council Liaison to Non Profits Alternate Vice Mayor McLewis Responsible Department: Police
Subject: Approval of Letter of Support for Application to Sonoma County Department of Health Services for: West County Community Services, Homelessness Street Outreach Funding (Measure O: Behavioral Health & Homelessness Pathways to Sustainability Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
=========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by minute order, approve the letter of support for West County Community Services in connection with their application to the Sonoma County Department of Health Services for Homelessness Street Outreach Funding through the Measure O: Behavioral Health & Homelessness Pathways to Sustainability Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
PROCESS OF AGENDA ITEM:
1. If item remains on consent, no presentation of item is required. Item would be approved as a consent calendar item.
2. If item is removed from the consent calendar; item would be placed at the end of the regular agenda items for discussion following the process below:
a. Presentation of agenda item by Police Chief
b. Questions and discussion from Councilmembers
c. Public comment period
d. Council deliberation and motion
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
West County Community Services (WCCS) is submitting an application for funding under the Sonoma County Measure O NOFA program to support homelessness street outreach services. The City of Sebastopol recognizes the importance of addressing homelessness and behavioral health challenges in the community and supports collaborative efforts with organizations that provide these critical services.
A letter of support from the City demonstrates Sebastopol’s commitment to community partnerships and enhances WCCS’s funding application. This letter does not create a financial obligation for the City beyond the $40,000 that is currently budgeted in the current FY 25 26 approved budget.
BACKGROUND:
Measure O funding, approved by Sonoma County voters, provides resources for behavioral health programs and initiatives addressing homelessness. The Department of Health Services is looking to use Measure O funding to support the community and help protect the County’s investments in Behavioral Health and Homelessness services and programs.
The Department of Health Services is seeking applications from a mix of community-based organizations (CBOs) and local Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: September 2, 2025
government partners with existing projects critical to these networks that are facing funding uncertainties. WCCS is applying for funding.
DISCUSSION:
WCCS has a long-standing record of serving Sebastopol and the West County region with programs including street outreach, supportive services, and connection to housing resources. Since 2021, in response to the increasing visibility and impact of homelessness in the region, the city entered into partnership with West County Community Servies (WCCS) to deliver homeless outreach services. This was to support the City’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents while maintaining community safety and public health.
At the most recent August 5, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council approved a contract with West County Community Services in the amount of $36,667 funding agreement for FY2025-2026 for continued Homeless Outreach Services.
By providing a letter of support, the City signals its endorsement of WCCS’s efforts and highlights the alignment of their programs with the City Council’s priorities for public health, safety, and community well-being. This will also enhance the newly created HEART pilot program which ensures a coordinated approach to maximizing the impact of outreach efforts.
This role is not a substitute for a mobile crisis or behavioral health response team but in addition to those needs.
Additional funding will help with a more consistent presence and follow-up with individuals experiencing homelessness; expanded coverage across the week; improved coordination with County services, law enforcement, and local providers; and provide case management to support more unhoused individuals who are actively engaged and working toward housing placement
STAFF (RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT) ANALYSIS:
Staff has reviewed WCCS’s funding request and finds that their proposed project aligns with the City’s objectives in addressing homelessness and behavioral health. Supporting this application through a letter of support is consistent with the City’s goal of fostering collaborative regional solutions to community challenges.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS/PRIORITIES; AND/OR GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This agenda item represents the City Council goals/priorities as follows:
Goal 4: HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION
Restoring public trust
Improve Public Communications
Goal 2: PUBLIC SAFETY
Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life. Includes supporting our first responders (police, fire, public works), responding to emergencies, protecting people, property, and businesses, and engaging in emergency preparedness community outreach, public education and prevention activities.
Explore Ways to Address Homelessness
Pursue no additional costs and or low cost solutions to homelessness COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
This item has been noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to schedule meeting date. The City has also used social media to promote and advertise the City Council Meeting Agenda Items.
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: September 2, 2025
As of the writing of this agenda item report, the City has not received public comment. If staff receives public comments following the publication and distribution of this agenda item report, such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting and will be posted to the city website.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with approval of this item.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by minute order, approve the letter of support for West County Community Services in connection with their application to the Sonoma County Department of Health Services for Homelessness Street Outreach Funding through the Measure O: Behavioral Health & Homelessness Pathways to Sustainability Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
OPTIONS:
The Council can deny the letter of support and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter of Support
APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Approval Date:
CEQA Determination (Planning): Approval Date:
The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial): Approval Date:
Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No XX N/A Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date:
City Manager Approval: Approval Date:
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: September 2, 2025
City Council
Mayor Stephen Zollman
Vice Mayor Jill McLewis
Councilmember Phill Carter
Councilmember Neysa Hinton
Councilmember Sandra Maurer
Interim City Manager
Mary Gourley
[email protected]
September 2, 2025
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
1450 Neotomas Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
RE: Measure O: Behavioral Health & Homelessness Pathways to Sustainability Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA
To Whom It May Concern:
The Sebastopol City Council is proud to support West County Community Services’ (WCCS) application for funding from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services to sustain Homelessness Street Outreach services in Sebastopol.
Recognizing the urgent need for consistent outreach to unsheltered individuals, the City of Sebastopol has committed $40,000 in matched funding toward this position. WCCS has demonstrated exceptional skill in building trust with people experiencing homelessness, connecting them to housing and supportive services, and working seamlessly with the County’s Coordinated Entry system.
This outreach effort will also be implemented in collaboration with the City’s HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance & Resource Team) Pilot Program, further strengthening coordination, efficiency, and the delivery of resources to individuals in need.
The requested funding will ensure continuity of outreach services that are essential for housing placement, maintaining the Countywide By-Name List, and improving outcomes for both vulnerable residents and the community as a whole.
We urge your full consideration of this request and look forward to continuing this vital partnership.
Sincerely,
Stephen Zollman
Mayor, City of Sebastopol
On behalf of the Sebastopol City Council
Agenda Item Number: 9 Agenda Item Number: 9
City Council Meeting Packet for Meeting of: September 2, 2025